One area that presents an opportunity to carry out this vision is the South Branch of the Chicago River. This 3-mile stretch begins at Ping Tom Park and runs south to Western Avenue and includes Bridgeport, Pilsen, McKinley Park and Brighton Park.

To get the ball rolling, we've started working on a project, the South Branch Framework, that will help develop a community vision for using the river, including a trail, access points, walking conditions, park space, and arts and culture programs.

Recently, Active Trans led a walk audit training at the Eleanor Street Boathouse in Bridgeport. Thirty people participated and broke into small groups that walked different routes around Park 571 (pictured), evaluating the walking conditions along streets, intersections, and blocks.

Many groups identified similar challenges to walking in Bridgeport. Most of the sidewalks need maintenance and repair. Several groups noted that wide street design encourages drivers to speed and limits the width of sidewalks. For example, the sidewalk on Archer from Lock Street to the CTA's Ashland Orange Line stop is too narrow and next to four lanes of fast moving traffic, creating a dangerous pedestrian experience.

Our community partners will lead walk audits to identify the best connections between neighborhoods and the river and how they can be improved. Active Trans will collect this information and develop recommendations for improving walking conditions; they will be presented to the city and we'll advocate for these improvements over the long-term.